Our boy "Lil Man" started limping off and on. He is only 10 months old. We were concerned and thought he might have twisted his back leg. The vet took x-rays and he has a luxating patella and she said he would need surgery to fix it sooner than later. He is just a little guy and I don't know what to think. Has anyone here ever had a sheltie with this and did you have the surgery and what results did you have. Please help. I am beside myself. He is just a baby.
My Lil Man has luxating patella
- Thread starter Amelia
- Start date
Yes, Kaleigh as a puppy had that. When a puppy is growing, they have limbs that aren't as sturdy or mature yet. They bounce around, they check out their environment and don't always understand or have the experience and will get into situations where they twist or hit or squirm in awkward movements. There are genetic abnormalities that can be passed, but when it is a puppy the best advice I got was watch it. Until the puppy limbs mature they can pull them, twist them, or bruise them. Kaleigh was a runner and she was constantly running into things in her awkward growth spurts. Her coordination wasn't quite in sync. So I had her checked when she bashed into something, which for her was a lot. Thankfully my Vet had raised collies, and I guess they do that as well as puppies, so he was familiar with it. Kaleigh survived her rambunctious puppyhood with no complications. Her limbs grew stronger and she didn't have any further issues. It was the back right leg that she constantly compromised. Funny, my Vet NEVER took x-rays, he could feel it, but then he knew the condition well. And he showed me what to look for on her. By the time she had her first bday, her legs were strong and properly formed. It wasn't an issue. Do your research, limit activity if there is limping, and always get a second opinion before any invasive procedure.
Cara Sandler
Forums Enthusiast
Spirit has a very mild luxating patella. She is on a fitness program, and the canine physical therapist said that as long as I keep her strong, it will never give her a problem. But again, hers is extremely mild - not even a grade 1.
Caro
Moderator
Luxating patellas are a pretty common problem for small breed dogs. I've never dealt with it, but I know plenty of dogs that had the surgery. Since Tully had her hip replacement I need to keep an eye on her knees - just feel the patella when it moves, if it's luxating you can feel it slipping. All the dogs I know that have had the surgery never had a problem with their knees after the surgery and if they're young they bounce back really quickly.
You can see a physio to get exercises to strengthen the area. It may still need surgery in the future and if you do a search on SF I'm sure you'll find others with Shelties with luxating patellas.
You can see a physio to get exercises to strengthen the area. It may still need surgery in the future and if you do a search on SF I'm sure you'll find others with Shelties with luxating patellas.
corbinam
Moderator
I second the advice to get another opinion just to be safe. My girl came up lame several years ago and we went to see a local vet. I was told she had a luxating patella, needed surgery and may never do agility ever again. I was devastated. We went to see a rehab specialist in Chicago who told us something similar to what Spirit's mom posted. We went on a very strict muscle development and maintenance regimen and she hasn't had an issue since (knock on wood!)
My vet couldn't feel anything that is why she took the x-rays. Now I'm wondering whether to wait until he turns one year old before I do anything. His surgery is scheduled for February 15th. She told me it wouldn't get better just worse and that he could rupture the cruciate ligament and that would make things worse. And the older he got it would happen more and cause arthritis to occur and he would have to live on medication. I don't know what to do. Maybe I will take him to another vet and see what they say. Thank you for all your help. Really appreciate it. I have no luck at all when it comes to sheltie legs. My last girl had deformities in her knees. Ruptured the ligament and at the age of 11 could barely walk. She didn't use her leg at all for at least that whole year. She is now at the rainbow bridge with her brother who passed after a 6 month fight with bladder cancer. He was only 10. Will keep you updated. Thanks again.
I've been told that since he is young he would do well with the surgery. The vet said she wouldn't wait because it will get worse not better. Thank you for your input. Really appreciate it. You made me feel a little more confident with the surgery. He loves to jump and play. I would hate to see him lame if I don't do it. Thank you. Sincerely, Amelia
You gotta do what you feel comfortable with. I just avoid any intrusive or invasive surgeries, especially on a puppy. I take the holistic route because of my own experiences with the medical industry. I seek out alternatives and exhaust those. Have you consulted a chiropractor? I would do that as well. But before you DO anything. I would really get 2nd opinions. What could it hurt to have more input? Have you spoken with your breeder? Is there a history, if not they NEED to be aware of what you are facing. Is this Vet familiar with sheltie's? I would ask how many of these do the routinely do.
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/treatment-options-for-the-luxating-patella/
Good luck!!!!
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